Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder that arises from tumors and ulcers in the digestive system. One or more tumors form in the pancreas or duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). These tumors, called gastrinomas, produce a large amount of gastrin. Gastrin is a hormone that causes the stomach to produce acid. With too much gastrin, excess acid is produced, causing ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
Gastrinomas occur as single tumors or small multiple tumors. Not only can these tumors lead to ulcers, they can also be cancerous (up to 66% malignant) and spread to the nearby lymph nodes or liver. This happens in about one-third to one-half of the cases of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
About one-quarter of people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome have a genetic disorder called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). Patients with MEN 1 have additional endocrine tumors in the brain and neck.
The cause of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is unclear. It is very rare; fewer than three out of a million people have the syndrome.
Over 90% of people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome have symptoms typical of a stomach ulcer.
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. He or she may also refer you to a gastroenterologist, a specialist who deals with gastrointestinal disorders.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
If there is only one tumor and it is not cancerous, a surgical removal may be attempted.
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenteroligical Association
http://www.gastro.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca
The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG)
http://www.cag-acg.org/default.aspx
References:
Berna MJ, Hoffmann KM, Long SH, et al. Serum gastrin in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: II. Prospective study of gastrin provocative testing in 293 patients from the National institutes of Health and comparison with 537 cases from the literature, evaluation of diagnostic criteria, proposal of new criteria, and correlations with clinical and tumoral features. Medicine . 2006;85:331-64.
Campana D, Piscitelli L, Mazzotta E, et al: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Diagnosis and therapy. Minerva Med 2005;96:167-206.
Norton JA, Jensen RT. Resolved and unresolved controversies in the surgical management of patients with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Ann Surg . 2004;240:757-73.
Norton JA, Fraker DL, Alexander HR, et al. Surgery to cure the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. N Engl J Med . 1999;341:635-644.
Pellicano R, De Angelis C, Resegotti A, Rizzetto M. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in 2006: concepts from a clinical point of view. Panminerva Med . 2006;48:33-40.
Tomassetti P, Salomone T, Migliori M et al: Optimal treatment of Zollinger_Ellison syndrome and related conditions in elderly patients. Drgus Aging 2003 20:1019-34.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00461 . Accessed September 12, 2005.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000325.htm . Accessed September 12, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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